Nordic Minister Statement on Transnational Organized Fisheries Crime

28.06.17 | Declaration
Declaration from the meeting of MR-FJLS on 28 June 2017


We, the Ministers of Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Åland;

Recognize that the Nordic countries are dependent on the sea and its resources and the opportunities it holds for the economy, food and well-being of our population and we are determined to support a healthy and thriving fishing industry that is based on fair competition and the sustainable use of the ocean.

Recognize further that the fishing industry in the Nordic region is globalized and dependent on competing in a fair global market.

Are committed to work towards the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Are convinced that there is a need for the world community to recognize the existence of transnational organized crime in the global fishing industry and that this activity has a serious effect on the economy, distorts markets, harms the environment and undermines human rights.

Recognize that this transnational activity includes crimes committed through the whole fisheries supply and value chain which includes illegal fishing, corruption, tax and customs fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, document fraud and human trafficking.

Recognize further the inter-continental flow of illegal fish products, illicit money and human trafficking victims in transnational organized fisheries crime cases and that all regions of the world need to cooperate when investigating such acts.

Are convinced that there is a need for north-south cooperation and that developing countries are particularly affected.

Are convinced that inter-agency cooperation between relevant governmental agencies is essential at a national, regional and international level  in order to prevent, combat and eradicate transnational organized fisheries crime,

Support Nordic cooperation, in accordance with national and international law, and EU-law when applicable, against the challenge posed by transnational organized fisheries crime and will seek cooperation with other regions of the world in order to find effective solutions to these challenges